cleanse (B1)

verb

Pronunciation: /ˈklɛnz/

Definition

To wash or scrub (something) thoroughly, especially to remove dirt, pollution, or impurities.

Examples

• The ritual was meant to cleanse the participants of their sins.

• He used a special soap to cleanse the wound before bandaging it.

• The rain seemed to cleanse the air after the storm.

How to Use cleanse

cleanse of (prepositional phrase)

To remove something (like dirt, sin, or guilt) from something else. — "The river was believed to cleanse the land of evil spirits."

cleanse the palate (idiom)

To refresh one's taste buds, typically between courses of a meal. — "A small glass of water can cleanse the palate."

Synonyms of cleanse

Words with a similar meaning to cleanse:

• wash
• purify
• sanitise
• expiate

Antonyms of cleanse

Words with the opposite meaning to cleanse:

• soil
• contaminate

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